Anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and antitussive properties of Kyeongok-go in ICR mice

Abstract

Context

Kyeongok-go (KOG) is a traditional mixed herb preparation consisting of Panax ginseng CA Meyer (Araliaceae), Poria cocos Wolf (Polyporaceae), Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertner) Liboschitz ex Steudel (Orobanchaceae), and honey. Various pharmacological effects of KOG are reported, but the efficacy on respiratory diseases has not been evaluated.

Objective

The anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and antitussive properties of KOG were examined using animal models of respiratory diseases.

Materials and methods

KOG (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) was orally administered to ICR mice (n = 8) once a day for 11 days. Anti-inflammatory effects of vehicle, xylene, KOG and DEXA (1 mg/kg) were determined by monitoring edoema and redness of treated ears, and measuring the relative and absolute weight of each ear. Expectorant properties of vehicle, KOG and AM (250 mg/kg) were evaluated by observing body surface redness, and the amount of mucous secreted by the trachea. The antitussive potential of vehicle, NH₄OH, KOG and TB (50 mg/kg) was evaluated by monitoring changes in the number of coughs (for 6 min).

Results

KOG (400 mg/kg) treated mice showed 31.29% and 30.72% (p < 0.01) decreases in the relative and absolute weights of each ear relative to xylene control mice, 39.06% increases (p < 0.01) in TLF OD values relative to intact vehicle control mice, and 59.53% decrease (p < 0.01) in coughing compared to NH₄OH control mice. Dose-dependent changes were observed in all experimental models.

Conclusions

KOG may be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of various respiratory diseases, particularly those caused by environmental toxins.

Keywords:

• Traditional mixed herb
• respiratory disease
• rodent experiment

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The supporting data could be provided from the corresponding author upon request.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korea government (MSIT) under the Project No. 2018R1A5A2025272.